5 Biggest Surprises for Toronto Blue Jays Through First Half of Season

5 Biggest Surprises for Toronto Blue Jays Through First Half of Season

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The Toronto Blue Jays have shocked their detractors thus far in 2014 as they are 47-41 and tied for first with the Baltimore Orioles in a tough AL East. Here are the five biggest surprises for the Blue Jays in the first half of the season.

5. Jose Reyes Has Been Healthy For The Most Part

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5. Jose Reyes Has Been Healthy For The Most Part

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Shortstop Jose Reyes has not had his best offensive season statistically thus far in 2014, but the Blue Jays have been able to count on his defense and presence in their lineup nearly everyday, as he has played in 71 of their 88 games. Reyes has been known to spend significant time on the disabled-list in his career, so having him healthy has been huge for Toronto's early success.

4. J.A. Happ Is 7-4 In The Starting Rotation

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4. J.A. Happ Is 7-4 In The Starting Rotation

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LHP J.A. Happ has never quite lived up to the status he carried as a prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization. However, in 2014, Happ has had a bit of a comeback as a starter in Toronto's rotation. He is 7-4 with a 4.38 ERA, and is seemingly giving the Blue Jays a quality start each time he takes the mound.

3. Melky Cabrera Is Having A Strong Offensive Season

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3. Melky Cabrera Is Having A Strong Offensive Season

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The free-agent signing of Melky Cabrera prior to the 2013 campaign seemed to be a bust as he missed almost a half of a season to injury, but Cabrera has been surprisingly healthy and productive thus far in 2014, batting .297 with 11 HRs and 43 RBIs. He has been used in many roles of the lineup and has been a pleasant and welcome surprise.

2. Drew Hutchison Is Fully Recovered From Surgery

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2. Drew Hutchison Is Fully Recovered From Surgery

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RHP Drew Hutchison made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays in 2012 as their top prospect, but his career was sidetracked after an injury that required Tommy John surgery. He would not appear for the major-league club in 2013, but has returned to make an impression as a reliable starter all season as the 23-year-old is 6-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 17 starts, and is striking out batters at a solid 8.1 K/9 ratio.

1. Mark Buehrle Has Pitched Like An Ace

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1. Mark Buehrle Has Pitched Like An Ace

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LHP Mark Buehrle has been incredibly reliable and consistent in his career since breaking into the show in 2000 with the Chicago White Sox. With 10 wins already for Toronto thus far in 2014, he now has his 14th-straight season with 10-plus wins. With a 2.50 ERA, the 35-year-old is surprisingly pitching like an ace and has a chance at 20 wins if he can keep it going.